Samuel webber parker and henry blackman



(No Model.) I

S. W. PARKER & H. BLA'GKMAN. FIRE ESCAPE. No. 289,701, Patented Dec. 4, 1883. A my.

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UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.-

SAMUEL wERRER PARKER AND HENRY BLAOKMAN, on NEW YORK, N. Y.

FIRE-ESCAPE.

SPECIFICATION forming partof Letters Patent No. 289,701, dated December 4, 1883,

' Application filed February 20, 1883. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that we, SAMUEL WV. PARKER and HENRY BLACKMAN, citizens of the United line of the center of the satchel.

Similar letters indicate corresponding parts.

The letters A B designate the two parts or sections of the satchel,hinged together on one of the longitudinal edges and provided with a suitable lock on the opposite edge, the letter 0, Fig. 2, indicating the line of division between the sections. Both sections comprise a metallic frame, of any usual or suitable construction, and with the section A is combined a supplemental frame, O, which is detachable therefrom, it being attached by set-screws s or other similar fastenings. This detachable frame carries two arms or hangers. D, forming the bearings for a reel, E, on which is wound a rope, F, or a chain, which thence extends in a few coils around a friction-bar, G, and outward through suitable holes in the united frames to a handle, H, its outer end being connected to the handle. The friction-bar G is fixed at the ends to the hangers D. r

To the shaft of the reel E is fixed a brakewheel, I, which is in peripheral contact with one end of a brake-lever, J, the other end of which is pivoted to a rod, K, extending outward through the united frames, it being provided at the outer end with a handle, L,which is detachable. The brakelever 'J is subjected to the action of a spring, N, having a tendency to keep its free end in contact with the brakewheel I, so that under normal conditions the reel E is thereby prevented from turning, while,

if the rod K is pulled outward against the spring the reel is released. The handleH of the satchel is attached, at or near its ends, to

the frame of the section A by means of. two jaws, 6, (best seen in Fig. 3,) which are pivoted to the frame, and one of which carries a hook, f, to engage a stud, 1', on the other, so that when the jaws are opened the handle is set free, and

hence is detachable; but other contrivances which will readily suggest themselves may be used for this purpose.

when the rope F is to be used as afire-escape, the handle H is detached and properly adjusted to the corner of awindow or to any other suitable part of a room, to act asa brace for the rope. The satchel is then put out of the window I and used as a seat or saddle by the person in lowering himself to the ground, the ropebeing allowed to unwind from the reel in the descent as fast] as may be desiredby properly adjusting the brake-lever J. As the rope thus unwinds, it is retarded by its contact with the friction-bar G, so that in case the brake should get out of order the person may still descend with comfort; but the friction-bar is not essential to the apparatus.

For the purpose of adapting the handle H to take afirm hold of the window or other support, it is curved backward at the ends and tapered to a point, as shown, so as to catch in the wood of the support.

Into each section AB of the satchel is fitted a piece of cork or other suitable buoyant material, as at P, to form a float, which is held in place by straps m, Fig. 1, or other suitable fastenings, so that each section constitutes a life-preserver, and in order to allow the sections to be applied to such use they are made separable from each othernamely, by means of their connecting-hinges, which are constructed as follows: On the proper edges of the sections are knuckles Z, which are alternately secured to each section, and through which passes a removable pintle, g, the latter having at one end a head, 9, and at the other end a nut, 9 or the like, for holding it in position.

To the sections A B, respectively, are connected end straps, Q, and side straps, Q, one set of each being provided with buckles or the like, so that when the sections are separated for use as life-preservers they can be secured to the person in front and rear by means of such straps, the end straps going over the shoulders and the side straps around the body,

below the arms. Said straps Q Q, may be either permanently or detachably connected to the sections, and in the example shown those of the section B are permanent, while those of the section A are removable, they being provided with loops 2), to engage with hooks or catches a. When the straps are not in use,th ey are placedinto the satchel,so as to be readily accessible. In the section A is a flap or partition, R, which is hinged 011 one edge, as at d, and arranged to close against a flange, It, Fig. 2, projecting inward from the proper frame, a packing-strip of india-rubber or other similar material being interposed between the flap and the flange to produceawater-tight joint. This flap R is held shut by means of hooks h, pivoted thereto, to catch into eyes h,which project from the flange B, through suitable holes in the flap; but various other fastenings can also be used for this purpose. By said flap R the section A is provided with a compartment, S, Fig. 2, serving to receive various articles and to preserve the same against wet when the sections are used as life-preservers, and to permit the flap to be thrown open to the full extent is the principal object of placing the reel E and its connections on a detachable frame, the latter being removed when the flap is to be opened. I

. If desired, either section A B may be provided with a recess-opening on one end thereof, and having a suitable cover to receive a flask or other article; and one section, more over, may have suitable attachments for sup porting a hatchet, U, Fig. 1, or other similar instrument.

It may be remarked that our invention can be applied to trunks as well as to satchels tachable handle, a reel containing a rope or chain, theouter end of which is connected to the handle, and a brake acting on the reel, substantially as described.

2. The 'combination,with a satchel, of a detachable handle having both ends curved and tapered, a reel containing a rope or chain, the outer end of which is connected to the handle, and a brake acting on the reel, substantially as described.

3. The combination,with a satchel composed of two sections, of a reel mounted in bearings within one section, a rope or chain wound on they reel, a brake-wheel, I, 011 the reel-shaft, a spring impelled brake -1ever, J, pivoted between its ends, and a handle-rod, K, having one end secured to the lever and its other end projecting through-the satchel, substantially as described.

,4. The combination,with a satchel, of areel containing a rope or chain, a friction-bar having the rope coiled on it, and a brake acting on the reel, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

CHAS. \VAHLERS. 

